Evocation [Force]
Level: Sorcerer 7, Strength 7, Wizard 7
Components: V, S, F/DF
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level)
Effect: 10-ft. hand
Saving Throw: None
Spell Resistance: Yes
This spell functions like interposing hand, except the hand can also grapple one opponent that you select. The grasping hand gets one grapple attack per round. Its attack bonus to make contact equals your caster level + your Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma modifier (for wizards, clerics, and sorcerers, respectively), +10 for the hand’s Strength score (31), –1 for being Large. Its grapple bonus is this same figure, except with a +4 modifier for being Large instead of –1. The hand holds but does not harm creatures it grapples. Directing the spell to a new target is a move action.
The grasping hand can also bull rush an opponent as forceful hand does, but at a +16 bonus on the Strength check (+10 for Strength 31, +4 for being Large, and a +2 bonus for charging, which it always gets). The hand always moves with the opponent to push that target back the full distance allowed, and it has no speed limit.
A very strong creature could not push the hand out of its way because the latter would instantly reposition itself between the creature and you, but an opponent could push the hand up against you by successfully bull rushing it. It would still provide cover (+4 AC) for you against that opponent.
The hand can also interpose itself as interposing hand does, providing cover as mentioned above.
Nothing can fool the hand—it sticks with the selected opponent in spite of darkness, invisibility, polymorphing, or any other attempt at hiding or disguise.
The hand is 10 feet long and about that wide with its fingers outstretched. It has as many hit points as you do when you’re undamaged, and its AC is 20 (–1 size, +11 natural). It takes damage as a normal creature, but most magical effects that don’t cause damage do not affect it. The hand never provokes attacks of opportunity from opponents. It cannot push through a wall of force or enter an antimagic field, but it suffers the full effect of a prismatic wall or prismatic sphere. The hand makes saving throws as its caster. Disintegrate or a successful dispel magic destroys it.
Clerics who cast this spell name it for their deities.
Arcane Focus: A leather glove.
Source: Player’s Handbook (version 3.5), page 204. Originally named Bigby’s grasping hand.